If you’re a travel nurse looking to see more of the country while also saving for a rainy day, consider Kentucky on your list of assignment prospects. Travel nurse jobs in Kentucky offer many benefits, including affordable cost of living and nursing license portability. Kentucky is also home to several nationally-ranked hospitals and healthcare systems. The Bluegrass State also boasts a burgeoning dining scene, national events, and natural attractions for leisure and activity, all underscored by the region’s signature Southern hospitality.
Read on to learn more about the professional development and quality of life benefits travel nurses can enjoy in Kentucky.
Nurse Licensure Compact Status
One of Kentucky’s biggest draws for travel nurses is its status as one of 25 Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) states. The NLC is a multi-state nursing license that allows nurses to practice in participating states without having to apply for a new license each time. Not only does a multi-state license help simplify the usual paperwork and costs involved in relocating as a nursing professional, it allows nurses more flexibility in choosing a state that provides the best job opportunities, as well as an affordable cost of living.
Affordable Cost of Living
Another significant advantage to travel nurse jobs in Kentucky is the state’s affordable cost of living. They estimate that your basic living expenses are more than 14 percent lower than the national average. One of the major contributors to the low cost of living is low housing costs, with average apartment rent ranging from $200-400 lower than the national average. Working with their recruiter, travel nurses can leverage this low cost of living to optimize their take-home pay. RNnetwork recruiters are skilled in negotiating contract variables to help nurses maximize the monetary benefits of each assignment.
Range of Opportunities for Professional Development
Kentucky offers travel nurses a wide range of professional development opportunities. There are more than 120 hospitals in the state, including the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital in Lexington, which is nationally ranked in four specialties by U.S. News & World Report.
Conversely, some areas of the state lack proper access to care, due in part to a shortage of health care providers, which bears an impact on the overall health of the population. For travel nurses who desire to make a difference, a travel assignment in these areas provides an opportunity to deliver care to communities that are hurting for better access to medical services. For many, this service adds a dimension to their experience that is both professionally valuable and personally rewarding.
Adventure, Food and Fun
When it comes to activities and leisure, Kentucky offers a variety of points of interest for event-goers and adventurers. Louisville is home to Churchill Downs, one of the most legendary Thoroughbred horse racetracks and site of the annual Kentucky Derby. Further south, nature-lovers can discover Daniel Boone National Forest and Mammoth Cave National Park, the world’s longest known cave system – with more than 400 sprawling miles of explored caves.
For food and drink enthusiasts, Kentucky is the birthplace of bourbon, and the state’s distilleries still make up 95 percent of the world’s bourbon production today. Henry Clay’s Public House in Lexington, famous for its live music and its location in a building built by its namesake in 1805, is a favorite for grabbing a drink. For individuals looking to experience local fare, The Hot Brown at the Brown Hotel in Louisville is a must-try. Developed in 1926 by Chef Fred Schmidt, this open-faced sandwich has its own webpage and has spawned best-of competitions around the state. And to satiate one’s sweet tooth, spend a weekend exploring the Shaker community of Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill and try the Shaker Lemon Pie that draws crowds.
Consider Kentucky for Your Next Travel Nursing Assignment
Whether you’re a travel nurse interested in exploring a new part of the country, tucking more away into savings, sharpening your skills at a nationally-ranked institution or delivering care to underserved communities, there are opportunities awaiting you in Kentucky.
For more information about travel nursing, or to speak with a recruiter, visit RNnetwork.
Are you a travel nurse who has completed a travel assignment or is currently on assignment in Kentucky? What other highlights would you share? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!
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